Otto Ristorante: Restaurant review

Sep 16, 2016 5:54am

Address

Level 4480 Queen StBrisbane, QLDAustralia

Hours

Lunch Mon-Fri noon-3pmDinner Mon-Sat 6pm-10pm

Prices

E $16-$29M $30-$48D $15

REVIEW

It was meant to be a more discreet take on the Sydney original, but Otto Brisbane's fourth-floor mezzanine digs are nevertheless a jaw-dropper, the twin peaks of the landmark Story Bridge your backdrop for the evening. The views inside are almost as good: acres of wood, a huge open kitchen and magenta ceiling fans twirling in an endless pirouette. Thankfully, it doesn't take away from the food, Otto's bold Italianish style for a slightly warmer climate. Wood-fired South Australian calamari will restore faith in the dish, while rich pork cheek would overwhelm if it wasn't cut through by charred pickled onion and tart apricots. Still, a blue swimmer crab ravioli entrée is the true standout, its black-garlic crema hard to forget. A dessert of rosemary cream with honey gelato is classic Otto: colourful, playful and sexy. Match all this with some rarities by the glass or settle in with a bottle from the extensive Italian-Australian list.

This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide's reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.

Gourmet Traveller Restaurant GuideFood: ★Wine: ★ ★Gourmet Traveller's star-ratings, which range from zero to three stars, reflect reviewers' first-hand experiences. The best-rated restaurants form our national Top 100. Our wine ratings, from zero to three stars, are made by wine editor Max Allen on the strength of the quality of the restaurant's wine list. View our rating key here.